Aguas Calientes is not justthe last train stop before the fabled Incan city of Machu Picchu. Thismemorable valley village, surrounded by mountains and forests, has enough goingfor it to keep you around an extra day or two – not least the hot springs thathave given the town its name.
The town is known as thegateway to the ancient ruins nearby: the complete isolation of Machu Picchu hasgiven Aguas Calientes an important role connecting the lost city to the rest ofPeru. As tourism in the area grew throughout the 1970s, Aguas Calientes beganto flourish as a tourist destination, while still retaining its local identity.
Walk to the main square andyou will be welcomed by a life-sized statue of the legendary Incan EmperorPachacuti, the ruler usually credited with the Incas’ great conquests. Stop bythe town market to shop for bags, rugs, jewellery and other locally madehandicrafts. The town’s many restaurants serve distinctive traditional dishessuch as stuffed hot peppers and baked guinea pig. More conservative visitorswill be glad to know there are also a number of pizzerias in town.
At the Museo de Sitio ManuelChávez Ballón, you can learn about the rediscovery of Machu Picchu and take ina vast array of artifacts from the Incan period. The Butterfly House is also apopular attraction.
Get active with a hike toPutucusi, a jagged rock formation that you can reach via a path with ancientstone steps and ladders. A less strenuous trail leads to Mandor Gardens, agorgeous nature reserve that is home to many orchids and a picturesquewaterfall. On the way back, soak your well-worked muscles in the thermal bathsjust outside of town.
Aguas Calientes is a car-freezone, so visitors will best arrive by train from Cusco. A variety ofaccommodation is available.
